The line graph illustrates the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in four countries – Ireland, France, Sweden, and Spain – between 1970 and 2010, at 10-year intervals. The figures are measured in metric tonnes.
Overall, carbon dioxide emissions declined in Sweden, France, and Ireland, while Spain showed a steady increase throughout the period.
In 1970, Sweden produced the highest emissions at 14 metric tonnes per person. This figure fell steadily to about 9 tonnes by 2010. France also experienced a decline, dropping from 9 tonnes in 1970 to 6 tonnes at the end of the period.
In contrast, Spain started with the lowest emissions at 4 tonnes per person in 1970. Its figure rose steadily and reached around 7 tonnes in 2010, overtaking Sweden but remaining just below France.
Ireland began at about 9 tonnes in 1970. Its emissions peaked at 11 tonnes in 1990, the highest among the four countries, before declining to 8 tonnes in 2010.